highway 92 to Carr Canyon road (turns to dirt, then about 1/2 mile), then up to first parking lot. Park there and head up steep road on bike about 2 miles to first real switchback, will be asign that says "John Cooper Trail/Perimiter Trail." That starts the trail. 1 mile to first turn off on left switchback follow trail to large dirt road (Miller Canyon Road) cross road straight across in small while will meet road again, take left on it until you see a sign, take trail near sign until you come back out near your car.

Summary:Was thinking about heading up there and doing some maintenance. Went out for my first ride on the trail and had a blast, but it is washed out pretty bad and really rocky. Still worth the trip. I just did the John Cooper and I was lucky enough to get dropped off on Carr and picked up on Miller.
Trying to get back into solid riding shape, and plan on making this one of my regular runs.

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Review DateSeptember 22, 2002

Overall Rating 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:Once a month

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Reviewed by: Jae33Y
, from Ft. Huachuca

Summary:Taking the Perimeter trail first will take a good deal of energy, and it only gets harder with the 2 mile climb up Carr Canyon road. Save the best for last, you are tuckered out after the climb and the rest is down hill. Take the Cooper loop (which is mostly down hill) back to Miller Canyon, then the fast downhill road to the parking area. 80% of the trail can be a bit technical at times (depending on your experience) but for the most part it is a blast. Still have strength and water? Do it again in the opposite direction! Keep in mind that this trail should not be used by beginners unless they go very slow. This trail is on a mountain-side and falling in some areas can be hard on the bones. There are lots of loose rocks and inexperienced riders tend to hate you for taking them on this trail (my wife swore I was trying to kill her!). Have fun!

Recommended Route:I like the counter-clock wise route. I hope you are up to the climb!

Other recommended trails in the same area:Brown Canyon

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Review DateMay 28, 2001

Overall Rating 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:Once a month

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Reviewed by: Big Dave
, from Ft. Huachuca

Summary:Riding the trail in a clockwise fashion gives more "flow" and better descending. The climb up Miller Cyn Rd. will have fewer cars passing you than if you were to climb up Carr. Counterclockwise gives you the descent down the Cooper Tr. This is not a whole lot of descending and there are a lot of "baby head" size rocks on the main descent. Try climbing up to the Reef Town site as at the top of Carr Cyn. Rd. That makes a good side trip.

Recommended Route:Start in Carr Canyon at the first picnic area off the dirt road. Cross the creek bed and head south on the perimeter trail to Miller Cyn. Then up Miller Cyn. Rd. to the Cooper Trail on the right. That will put you back out on Carr Cyn Rd. which is a ripper descent, but watch out for cars coming up.

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Review DateJuly 9, 2000

Overall Rating 4 of 5

Ridden Trail:Once a week

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Reviewed by: M. Roland
, from Sierra Vista, AZ

Summary:The total length of all three trails is only about 10 miles or so, but since 2+ miles of it is climbing, it takes a lot out of you and seems a lot longer. The Perimeter Trail is awesome and VERY scenic as it overlooks the valley below. The John Cooper section is fun if you like a lot of loose rocks, and Miller Trail is fun when it isn't washed out with sand. I don't recommend this trail for a beginner, but it does have a lot of varied terrain and is split into three sections so you can pick and choose which section you would like to ride.

Recommended Route:I prefer to start this trail from Miller Canyon Road. I park in the parking lot just past where the pavement ends on Miller Canyon Road. I then ride the Perimeter Trail (approx 4 to 5 miles) to Carr Canyon Road, then ride the 2 miles up Carr Canyon Road to the John Cooper Trail, then back down to Miller Canyon Road and down Miller Canyon Trail.

Other recommended trails in the same area:Brown Canyon

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